This event seems to be one of those “badge of honor” races. It sounds tough, fun, scenic and … wet. The races start at 8:30 on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the Springmaid Mountain Resort in Spruce Pine, North Carolina about 30 miles east of Asheville.

To get you in the mood for this, this is what the event’s brochure says about the 10k …

This run is not for the faint-hearted. You will get wet. You will run along flat fields next to the river and through the river four times. Paths wind through mountain laurel, challenging HILLS, numerous switchbacks, single tracks, soft sand, alongside ponds, over roots and rocky spots. The entire loop is “run-able,” but is totally acceptable to walk parts of the course.

We’re not talking about the kind of wet you get when you run the Dupont Forest 12k and have to stick your toe in a few inches of water or make a long leap over the little stream. We’re talking about wading.

I was planning on running this but decided instead to do another practice run of the Asheville Citizen-Times Half Marathon. This race is near and dear to me. It was my first half marathon in 2005. I have completed 12 more half marathons since then. But I have not done one since December 2007. So this is my comeback.

The 5K was great! It was my first race in over 2 years since having a baby and while it wasn’t exactly easing myself back into things I certainly now feel like I can take on just about anything. Next year, the 10K…..!

I did the springmaid last year and this year, what a difference a year makes. The river last year was knee high this year hip high. By far the most difficult 10k for me but the most FUN! Lots of mud but tons of fun. Very organized and just nice people to run with.

I did this (once) and agree with you, it’s an “I did it” race. I prefer the Hot August Night 5k the same evening in Montford 🙂 Given the usual heat and humidity, I get as soaked as I did at Springmaid! lol